Studies have shown that people who engage in more physical activity are not only less likely to encounter various common health problems such as hypertension, heart diseases and other musculo skeletal disorders but it also enhances their psychological well-being. Physical activity is equally important for all age groups specially teenagers.
‘Mens sana in corpore sano’ is a Latin phrase which means ‘a sound mind in a sound body’. In spite of knowing this people ignore the fact that how much important physical activity is to their lives.
In a world of x box and smart TVs, no one is interested in outdoor activities. A patent reason for this is lack of public parks and playgrounds. Limited access to such places distances them from physical activities and social interactions. In case of children parental support plays a role in it too. Parents do not encourage their children to go out and play mostly because of security issues. As a result children indulge themselves into indoor activities like watching TV and using internet which is a long term cause of their dwindling health. Another surfacing cause is the unmanageable burden of studies put on students by the schools because of which they hardly find time to do other activities.
Health is the most important thing in our lives and physical activity is the key to healthy life. More parks and gardens should be built and outdoor activities should be promoted. Students should be encouraged at school to take part in extracurricular activities.
Zarah Javed
Rawalpindi